On my bike: Jim McGurn, cycling activist and writer

Why do you cycle?

Getting into town for work and shopping, trips round our village, evening rides around the local lanes, tandem outings with our disabled son. Living in a village on the edge of York with good public transport and bike paths, we have no need for a car.

How far do you ride each week?

Around 50 miles, although I recently did that in one day with York’s Wednesday Wheelers.

Which of your bikes is your favourite?

I love ’em all. My Dutch bike is perfect for getting around our village and into York. My old Dawes Super Galaxy makes me feel young again. My Berndts folder covers business trips. Our tandem trike, which I steer from the rear, is for family outings with our son, who has Downs and autism.

What do you always take with you when cycling?

Just the usual stuff. For the rare group rides, I take an innertube and levers.

Who mends your punctures?

I do. Unless it’s the Dutch bike with hub brakes. I pass that pleasure to the mechanics at work.

It’s raining: bike, public transport or car?

Bike. I quite like cycling in rain with the right bike and clothing.

Lycra or normal clothes?

Rarely Lycra, and then just padded shorts.

If you had £100 to spend on cycling, what would you get?

A better cover for our tandem trike, which lives in the front garden.

What’s your favourite cycle journey?

From Pickering there’s a lane which lifts you up and onto the North York Moors. Then it’s a magical, timeless ride, sometimes in mist, until you’re descending on the delightful roller-coaster road that drops you into the Esk Valley.

What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?

20mph as the default speed limit on restricted roads, like Wales.

Get Cycling

Set up in 2008 by Jim and his wife Sally, Get Cycling are specialists in non-standard and adaptive cycles. The not-for-profit company holds the UK’s biggest range of demo specialist cycles.